After waiting for what seemed an eternity to the five lovely young
ladies competing, cheers echoed throughout the old football field last
Saturday evening, as Miss Norma Leticia Lara won the Miss San Pedro
2005-2006 title. A large number of people gathered to witness this glamorous
pageant held to choose San Pedro's newest beauty ambassador.
This year's pageant was filled with grace, poise and
glamour, but it was also a night filled with celebration - a celebration of
Belizean Culture. In all its glory and beauty, pageant coordinators
celebrated the Carib, Garifuna, Mestizo and Maya ethnicities.
The show kicked off with a bang, as Barbara's Dance
Group took to the stage for a wonderful opening act. Masters of ceremonies
for the grand event were The San Pedro Sun's Kainie Manuel and Reef Radio's
Luis Romero. They opened the night by welcoming everyone to what would be a
spectacular night of beauty, dance, music and traditions. They stressed on
the fact that Belize now possesses an unmatched degree of diversity and as
such should be celebrated and honored.
Rejoicing in the "melting pot" of ethnicities that has
become Belize, the five beauties were introduced to the large crowd, to the
exuberant sounds of the undisputed grandfather of "Brukdown" Mr. Peters and
his boom and chime Band. Amarilis Peņa (Ramon's Village); Karina Rejon (Fido's
Restaurant and Bar); Norma Leticia Lara (Victoria House); Chantel Castillo
(Castillo's Hardware); and Ines Reyes (Jaguar's Temple Night Club) all
graced the stage with their opening introductions in their casual wear.
"Belize has become a paradise to a new generation of
immigrants - the Caribs and Garifuna who brought with them their food and
dance," explained the emcee's as they introduced the five ladies along with
reigning queen Roxanna Bradley for their group dance. With their graceful
moves to the rhythm of the Garifuna drums, the six beauties moved to the
internationally known Punta.
The gathering was delighted throughout the night by
performances by Barbara's Dance Group, as well as the ever-popular and
always energetic San Pedro Dance Company. Celebrating in the Mestizo
traditions, the five seņoritas charmed their fans in the second round of
competition - the swimsuit category. All five ladies dazzled in orange full
length swimsuits, and carried colorful Mexican shawls draped beautifully on
their left arms.
Fresh out of the recording studio, DNA performed a
song of their new production which will hit stores in December. They
energized those assembled with their great musical styling and suave moves.
The last part of the pageant was the evening gown
competition. Attired in spectacular gowns of their own choosing, the five
gorgeous Mayan Princesses were stunning as they walked down the stage.
Emcees Kainie and Luis then chit-chatted with each of the girls prior to the
question and answer session. Each charming contestant was given the
opportunity to pick one out of the five cards containing the questions that
Kainie had on her hand. Luis gave each beauty her question to which all
answered quite eloquently.
After Miss San Pedro 2004-2005 Roxana Bradley's
farewell, it was time to announce who would be "La Isla Bonita's" queen.
First runner up for the special occasion was Karina Rejon, while Chantel
Castillo was chosen as Miss Amity. Apart from winning the coveted crown of
Miss San Pedro, Norma Leticia Lara also won the title of Miss Photogenic.
The difficult task of choosing one of the gorgeous
ladies as San Pedro's newest beauty ambassador went to the five judges: Alma
Gabourel, Florita Ancona Frisinger, Charlene Woods, Ron Sniffin, and Rod
Ralston. Tabulators for the night were George Jones and Raquel Ramirez.
The night came to an end with the energetic beats and
sounds of the Super Furia Band.
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